§ 6. Mr. Padleyasked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the representations made to his Department by local authorities, workpeople and employers, he will reverse his decision to close the Pencoed Hostel on 22nd March.
§ Sir W. MoncktonI have looked carefully into this case, but I am afraid I can hold out no expectation of the decision to close the hostel being reversed. I have, however, arranged with the Minister of Works to extend the date of closing for three months until 22nd June in order to give the remaining residents more time in which to seek alternative accommodation. My Department's local offices will give as much help as lies in their power to those who are in difficulty in this respect.
§ Mr. PadleyWhile thanking the right hon. and learned Gentleman for that reply and his interest in the matter, and recognising that he has been under strong pressure from the Ministry of Works, may I put two questions to him? First, whether in his capacity as the representative, or, at least, the custodian, of the interests of employers and workpeople in mid-Glamorgan, he will press his right hon. Friend the Minister of Works to call off the present policy of vandalism which is implied in the destruction of the living accommodation in this excellent hostel so that it may be used for storage purposes? Second, in the event of that approach failing, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman do everything possible to protect the interests of the severely disabled persons now resident in the Pencoed Hostel?
§ Sir W. MoncktonI will, of course, do what I can to help the disabled persons and the others to find other accommodation, but the number of people resident in this hostel has dropped to about one-third of what it was; and I have to take into account the expenses of running these hostels, some of which are criticised for being too extravagant.